Nikon Nikkor AF-S 200-400mm f/4G ED VR Lens
The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR is a lens from Nikon. Check GearFocus for current availability, with buyer protection on every purchase.
Nikon Nikkor AF-S 200-400mm f/4G ED VR Lens
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Lens Overview — Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR
Key Features — Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR
200-400mm Constant f/4 Aperture: The maximum aperture stays at f/4 throughout the entire zoom range, so exposure and depth of field remain consistent whether you're shooting at 200mm or 400mm.
AF-S Silent Wave Motor: Nikon's Silent Wave Motor drives autofocus quietly and smoothly, which is an advantage when shooting wildlife that may be disturbed by noise.
First-Generation VR I Stabilization: Built-in Vibration Reduction helps reduce camera shake at long focal lengths, though it provides one fewer stop of compensation than the updated VR II version found on later copies.
ED Glass Elements: Extra-low Dispersion glass minimizes chromatic aberration and color fringing, contributing to sharp, high-contrast images across the zoom range.
Internal Focus Design: The IF system means the lens barrel does not extend or rotate during focusing, keeping the lens balanced and making front-mounted filters practical to use.
1.9m Minimum Focus Distance: A close focus distance of 1.9 meters allows tighter framing on smaller subjects like birds or insects without needing to step back.
Description — Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G ED-IF VR is a telephoto zoom lens covering a 200-400mm focal length range at a constant f/4 maximum aperture — a combination well-suited to wildlife and sports photography where light and reach both matter. The optical design comprises 26 elements, incorporating ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass to help manage chromatic aberration alongside an IF (Internal Focus) system. First-generation VR I vibration reduction is built in, providing stabilization during handheld shooting, while the AF-S Silent Wave Motor enables smooth, quiet autofocus.
The lens is noted to be sharpest between f/4.5 and f/11 for subjects within 3 to 40 meters. Weather sealing is present, and the 1.9-meter minimum focus distance allows closer engagement with subjects than many telephoto zooms of this class. Teleconverter compatibility is confirmed. Also sold as the Nikon 200-400mm f/4 VR1, this lens carries a community score of 4.25 and is available used typically between $1,900 and $2,400.
Pros — Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR
- ✓Constant f/4 maximum aperture maintained across the full 200-400mm zoom range
- ✓26-element optical construction includes ED (Extra-low Dispersion) and IF (Internal Focus) special elements
- ✓First-generation VR I vibration reduction provides image stabilization support
Cons — Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR
- ✗Contrast reduction observed when shooting wide open at f/4
- ✗AF inconsistency reported on subjects beyond 40 meters
- ✗Large, heavy, and front-loaded body design can be physically demanding to use
Videos — Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR
NEW NIKON 200-400 f4 VR2 Lens Un Boxing — Jared Polin